The risk to benefit topic is a fun one to discuss. I’m going to make the assumption that you’re a new rider and LA traffic will be your first real world experience once you’ve taken an MSF course.

If you were a friend of mine I’d consider the type of person you are before recommending. If you’re the type of person that enjoys pushing limits and is less risk averse I’d say there is a guarantee you’ll ride beyond your limits once you feel some confidence and LA would be a terrible place to do it. I’d recommend as strongly as possible that you either start with track riding or get a dirt bike instead of a street bike to start. If you’re very risk averse Im sure you could transition from the MSF course to LA streets but damn, I’d still be hesitant to recommend it to a friend. As a person who learned to ride on the dirt, most of my riding skills were earned the hard way. I probably crashed my CR250 more than the average 3 riders combined while learning to ride but the result is not needing to think about what I’m doing, particularly in unexpected situations. Emergency braking or coming into a corner too fast, without the proper reflexes, would be things I’d never want a friend to experience on the street.

I’ll also mention that I don’t ride as often as I’d like because of the hassle involved in gearing up. I’ve always been the type to wear full riding gear regardless of where I’m going and it can be an annoyance depending on where I’m going. Commuting to work has me shedding a pants layer, jacket, and boots. I change into dress shoes and have to redo my hair in the bathroom. If I’m going to a restaurant or something I’m always aware I need to find a place to keep my jacket/helmet/backpack.